There is one destination that seems made for a road trip, and that is undoubtedly the Basque Country. Excellent transport links and even better scenery; lively cities packed with things to see and small towns where you will want to disappear for a few days; natural wonders waiting around every bend and food you will happily return to time and again. You will find all this and much more on this five-day road trip.

Your first instinct may be to settle down in front of La Concha Beach and never leave, but resist the temptation: there are countless things to do in San Sebastián in a single day. Start by visiting the Peine del Viento, or Wind Comb, Eduardo Chillida’s iconic sculptural ensemble, where art meets the rocks, waves and wind.

Next, head up Mount Igeldo, ideally aboard its historic funicular, to admire one of the finest views across the bay, with Santa Clara Island at its centre. When lunchtime arrives, make your way to the Old Town and move from bar to bar sampling pintxos. For a dose of culture, explore Tabakalera, the city’s International Centre for Contemporary Culture, which hosts exhibitions, film screenings and an ever-changing programme of events throughout the year.

The road between San Sebastián and Bilbao is full of reasons to stop along the way. You can take the AP-8 motorway to travel between the two cities, but the best part of the journey begins when you leave the main road and head towards the coast.

Make your first stop in Zarautz, known for its sweeping beach, before continuing to Zumaia to discover the cliffs and geological layers of the Basque Coast flysch. This extraordinary landscape offers a glimpse into millions of years of the Earth’s history. Itzurun Beach and the guided walking or boat tours available in the area are among the best ways to explore it.

Further along the route, you can take a detour to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the most spectacular spots on the Biscay coast. Bear in mind that it is not directly on the route to Bilbao, so it is worth allowing several hours for your visit. On days when access is controlled, you will also need to book a free online ticket in advance.

You will probably realise as soon as you arrive that no amount of time in Bilbao ever feels quite enough. To make the most of your day, begin at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, one of the defining symbols of the city’s urban transformation. As well as admiring the remarkable building designed by Frank Gehry, check which temporary exhibitions are running during your visit.

From there, walk alongside the river before continuing towards the Old Town and its famous Seven Streets. Sooner or later, hunger will strike, and the best way to satisfy it is with a round of pintxos. To finish the day, climb the Mallona Steps to the Basilica of Begoña, or visit the Ribera Market and continue soaking up the atmosphere of Bilbao’s historic centre.

Before continuing to Vitoria-Gasteiz, set aside a day to explore Gorbeia Natural Park, which stretches across the provinces of Álava and Biscay. Reaching its main entrances requires a detour from the route between the two cities, but the scenery more than justifies the change of plan.

The park offers routes through beech and oak woodland, open grasslands and karst landscapes. More experienced hikers can climb to the summit of Mount Gorbeia, which stands at 1,482 metres above sea level and is crowned by its distinctive cross. There are also gentler trails for those who would rather wander through the forests and meadows without heading all the way to the summit.

Before setting out, check the weather forecast, trail conditions and the park’s latest guidance. Reaching the summit requires suitable footwear, a reasonable level of fitness and favourable weather conditions, particularly during the colder months.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is often overshadowed by the appeal of Bilbao and San Sebastián. However, those who visit discover a historic and peaceful city surrounded by nature.

Begin by exploring its Medieval Quarter, easily recognised by its distinctive almond-shaped layout, and discover the palaces and historic buildings tucked away along its streets. One of the city’s most fascinating sights is Santa María Cathedral, which can be explored on a guided tour that reveals both the building itself and its extensive restoration work.

The cathedral also has a close connection with Ken Follett. Although it did not inspire the author to write The Pillars of the Earth, as is sometimes claimed, he later visited the cathedral and learnt about its restoration, an experience that contributed to his research for World Without End, the sequel to the original novel.

To round off your trip, explore the Vitoria-Gasteiz Green Belt, a network of parks surrounding the city and connected by walking and cycling routes. It is an especially good option for families, with highlights including the Salburua wetlands and their interpretation centre, Ataria.

You can also explore the area with your dog, although pets must be kept on a lead in natural spaces, except in designated off-lead areas.

San Sebastián, Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz all have Low Emission Zones that restrict certain vehicles from entering parts of their city centres. Before travelling, check your vehicle’s environmental classification, the boundaries of each zone and whether you need any special authorisation. Whenever possible, the easiest option is to park outside the restricted areas and explore the city centres on foot or by public transport.

To enjoy the route in comfort, you can choose from a range of Sercotel hotels in San Sebastián, Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz. In San Sebastián, Sercotel Codina, close to Ondarreta Beach, and Sercotel Europa San Sebastián, just a short walk from La Concha, are two excellent bases for exploring the city. In Bilbao, you can stay at Sercotel Ayala, Sercotel Arenal Bilbao or Sercotel Coliseo Bilbao, all conveniently located for discovering the city centre, the Old Town and Bilbao’s main attractions.

And to complete your journey in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Sercotel Boulevard Vitoria provides a comfortable base from which to explore the city’s heritage, the Green Belt and the surrounding area. After all, on a great road trip, having somewhere welcoming to rest at the end of the day is just as important as everything you discover along the way.